Boston lifts COVID-19 vaccine mandate, SENA follows suit

The city of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. announced it has lifted a mandate requiring proof of vaccination for certain indoor spaces, which includes the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the host location of the 2022 Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

The city first announced a vaccine requirement for indoor spaces in December, as part of the city’s “B Together” initiative. The mandate resulted in a proof of vaccination requirement for the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and a vaccine requirement for attending the expo.

The original mandate was implemented with specific public health goals in mind. According to a new release from the city of Boston, the latest public health data has shown the city achieved its goals. The public health data indicates that Boston has a 4 percent community positivity rate, a 90.7 percent occupancy rate of ICU beds, and a 7-day average of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations of 195.9 per day. All three of those totals were below the city’s previously announced goals.

“The public health data shows that we’re ready to take this step in our recovery,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a release. “This news highlights how much progress we’ve made in our fight against COVID-19 thanks to vaccines and boosters – which have always been our most-effective weapon against the pandemic.”

Seafood Expo North America organizer Diversified Communications soon after announced that it, too, will be lifting vaccine mandates in response to the city’s decision. [Editor’s note: Diversified Communications also owns and operates SeafoodSource]. 

“As we continue to follow the guidance from public health officials, federal, state, and local authorities, and considering this recent announcement, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will no longer be required to attend the upcoming edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America,” Diversified Communications Event Director Wynter Courmont said.

Courmont said Boston still has a mask mandate in place for indoor public spaces, and the expo will follow the city's health and safety guidelines.

“Therefore, attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and staff will still be required to wear masks inside the venue,” she said.

Courmont said COVID-19 tests will still be made available to anyone who needs it on site.

“For instance, if you require testing for your return travel, please feel free to use our onsite testing partner, AllClear,” Courmont said.

She added that the company updated its Health and Safety Information page to show the recent changes.

“We encourage you to check this page periodically for updates and more details leading up to the event,” Courmont said. “We look forward to seeing you in Boston in a few weeks.”  

Photo courtesy of Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock